What is the Cost of a Traumatic Brain Injury?

July 08, 2013
By
Caputo & Van Der Walde LLP

Share

A traumatic brain injury occurs when an injury to the brain results from
internal damage, a loss of oxygen, or a sudden impact. TBIs often result
in permanent symptoms that affect the victim physically, emotionally,
and intellectually. These long-term effects can result in life-changing
emotional and financial burdens that have an impact not only on the life
of the victim, but also on the lives of his or her family members and
friends. Many TBI victims require increased supervision, medical attention,
and round-the-clock support that can be very expensive.

The cost of care needed to treat traumatic brain injuries can be staggering.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the
estimated medical costs and indirect costs of TBIs in the United States
is $76.5 billion. The individual costs brought upon brain injury victims
and their families can be life changing even when the victim has adequate
health care at the time of the accident.

The initial costs suffered by brain injury victims include medical bills
such as the cost of a CT-Scan or MRI to evaluate the severity of the trauma.
If the brain injury is serious, it is likely that the patient will be
asked to remain at the hospital for further observation and treatment.
At this point, the victim will have to miss work, and it will have to
be determined if he or she will ever be able to work again.

Once released from the hospital, long-term needs will include care from
physicians, nurses, and rehabilitation therapists. The costs of neurological
and psychological evaluations coupled with medications, treatments, and
continued rehabilitation can be well beyond the victim’s means.
The Brain Trauma Foundation estimates that the lifetime health care costs
for TBI can be as low as $85,000 but it is often as high as $3 million.

Many health insurance providers fail to provide adequate support for serious
TBIs. This is why many victims of brain injuries have it in their best
interests to consider legal solutions. If you or a loved one have sustained
a brain injury because of someone else’s negligence, a skilled San
Jose personal injury lawyer may be able to help you receive compensation
for medical bills, lost wages, lost future earnings, physical pain, mental
anguish, the cost of rehabilitation services, and other related damages.

The experienced personal injury team at Caputo & Van Der Walde LLP​
has a long history of helping brain injury victims get fair compensation
for their considerable losses.
Call our offices today to discuss how you can get the support you need and rightfully deserve.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.